Colts coach Chuck Pagano: ‘There’s no one I’d rather have under center than that guy.’

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is grabbed by the jersey by Oakland defensive end Jason Hunter in the second half of the game. The Colts held on to win 21-17 over Oakland on Sunday, September 8, 2013. Matt Detrich / The Star

Gosder Cherilus had seen this dramatic closing act before, the one in which the Indianapolis Colts followed the lead of their catalytic quarterback and turned a loss into a victory.

Last year, it was Andrew Luck’s game-winning 14-yard touchdown pass to Donnie Avery with no time on the clock in a 38-35 victory at Detroit’s Ford Field as Cherilus, the Lions’ veteran offensive tackle, looked on helplessly from the sideline.

Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium, Cherilus’ vantage point was more pleasing as Luck delivered his eighth game-winning drive — in 17 career regular-season games — with a 19-yard scramble through the heart of Oakland’s defense. It lifted the Colts to a 21-17 victory.

“I could care less what happened last year,” said Cherilus, one of the Colts’ expensive free agent acquisitions. “I’m here now. I’m glad to be a part of this.”

Glad to have a quarterback like Luck running the show. The Colts are 10-1 in one-possession games since Luck’s arrival, including nine straight.

“When you’ve got a guy like that, it sure makes you feel good,” coach Chuck Pagano said. “If there’s a minute left on the clock and we need a score, there’s no one I’d rather have under center than that guy.”

The Raiders took their first lead of the afternoon at 17-14 with 11:09 remaining on Terrelle Pryor’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Denarius Moore.

Lucas Oil Stadium was shaking with anticipation — and perhaps a touch of trepidation — as Luck and the offense trotted onto the field for an answer. It was first-and-10 at the Colts 20. The huddle was calm, focused.

“Nothing seems to get him down,” Wayne said. “Even when they took the lead, he came out there and said, ‘This is going to be the drive to win the game right here.’

“He’s always confident. He plays better than the average second-year quarterback. He plays like he’s a 15-year vet.”

Luck’s 19-yard touchdown likely will be replayed ad nauseam as the offensive play that won it. But how about a pair of third-down completions that kept alive the 11-play drive and made it possible? He hit T.Y. Hilton for 12 yards on third-and-8, then found Wayne for 9 on third-and-2.

Darrius Heyward-Bey also contributed a 9-yard reception that turned into a 24-yard gain when safety Tyvon Branch was hit with a personal foul.

Luck displayed his mobility during the game. He avoided Oakland’s pass rush six times and picked up 38 yards.

Afterward, he deflected the credit and insisted on sharing it with his teammates.

“Something that this team has is some fortitude, some backbone,” Luck said.

Especially in the fourth quarter, with the game on the line.

Luck insisted his approach doesn’t change as the pressure builds, but added, “the DNA of the team is that maybe there is just a little extra focus when that comes. Maybe that little bit of pressure pushes us.”

It’s no coincidence the Colts offense was at its best when its QB was wingin’ it. On the three scoring drives, Luck was 13-of-15 for 142 yards with the two passing TDs and the game-winning TD run.

Again, Cherilus smiled at benefiting from Luck’s presence rather than being on the wrong end of it.

“He’s a football player. A football player,” he said. “He might be a quarterback, but there’s a little bit of linebacker in him. Got a little bit of offensive lineman in him.

“I’m not going to put anything on him, but the guy’s a winner. We’ve seen many of them. I’m not comparing him with anyone. He’s just perfect for us.’’

Call Star reporter Mike Chappell at (317) 444-6830. You can follow him on Twitter at @mchappell51.